Managing device functions based on physical interaction with device modules

ABSTRACT

Embodiments are provided for managing operation of an electronic device based on the connection(s) of hardware module(s) to the electronic drive via a support housing. According to certain aspects, the electronic device may detect when a hardware module connects to the support housing. The electronic device may identify a function associated with the hardware module, where the function may be a built-in function of the hardware module itself or of the electronic device. The electronic device may accordingly activate the identified function.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/709,982, filed May 12, 2015, the disclosure of which ishereby fully incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This application generally relates to physical interactions by a userwith one or more modules of an electronic device. In particular, theapplication relates to identifying functions of the modules or of theelectronic device based on the physical interactions and activating orfacilitating the functions.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices such as smart phones and tablet devices arebecoming more ubiquitous as underlying technology and device capabilityimproves. Generally, with improved technology comes more portable andadvanced devices. These devices incorporate numerous components thatsupport various device functions and applications. For example, currentsmart phones include components that support various types of wirelesscommunication, image and video capture, audio and video playback, datastorage, and/or the like.

Typically, smart phone manufacturers will constantly and consistentlydesign, manufacture, and release new devices, where the new devicesoften incorporate upgraded or improved components as compared to theprevious device iterations. However, the design, manufacture, andrelease cycles are costly endeavors for both the device manufacturersand for the consumers who purchase the devices. Additionally, devicecomponents evolve or improve at different rates. While some electronicdevices contemplate incorporating modular components, use of suchdevices is cumbersome and complicated.

There is therefore an opportunity for electronic devices that supportmodular components, and an opportunity to effectively and efficientlymanage operation of the devices based on physical interactions with andconfigurations of the modular components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed embodiments, andexplain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts an example electronic device including hardware modulesconfigured to connect thereto, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 2-4 depict various views of example electronic devices, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a detailed view of an example electronic device andcomponents thereof, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B depict example interactions with hardwaremodules of an example electronic device, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIGS. 8 and 9 depict example electronic devices with examplefunctionalities activated, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict example electronic devices including hardwaremodules configured to connect thereto, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts an example electronic device positioned in an exampleorientation, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts a flow diagram of facilitating electronic devicefunctionalities in response to hardware module positioning, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts a flow diagram of activating device functions based onconfigurations of hardware modules, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an electronic device in accordance withsome embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Existing portable electronic devices such as smart phones and tabletdevices are capable of supporting multiple applications, functions, andthe like. Generally, users of the existing devices may control whichapplications and functions are active or executing by making selectionsand interactions with existing hardware and software buttons of thedevices. In particular, these devices have numerous hardware andsoftware buttons which often require the user to make multipleindividual and particular selections to accomplish a single task, suchas switching from one application to another application. This isparticularly apparent when an electronic device powers on or otherwiseactivates from an idle state, where it is often the case that anapplication or function desired to be accessed by the user is neitherinitiated nor active.

The embodiments described herein provide an electronic device that isconfigured with hardware modules removably secured thereto via a supporthousing. A user of the electronic device may manually manipulate orrelocate the hardware modules to different positions of the supporthousing, where the support housing may incorporate various connectioncomponents that enable the electronic device to detect connections withhardware modules. The hardware modules themselves may have variousfunctionalities incorporated therein, or may be associated with anfunction or application of the electronic device itself. For example, ahardware module may provide more random access memory (RAM) orprocessing power for the electronic device to use. In another example, ahardware module may be a camera module capable of capturing digitalimage data for use in an imaging application of the electronic device.

The electronic device may be configured to detect when hardware modulesconnect to the support housing. In response to a hardware moduleconnecting to the support housing, the electronic device may identify afunction that is associated with the hardware module, or a function orapplication of the electronic device that incorporates the hardwaremodule. The electronic device may then activate the function. Theelectronic device may also account for how the hardware module isconnected to the support housing as well as a sequence associated withmultiple hardware modules connecting to the support housing.

Accordingly, by connecting various hardware modules to the supporthousing, users of electronic devices may control which functions orapplications for the electronic device to activate in response to theelectronic device detecting the connections. The embodiments asdiscussed herein offer a benefit to users of the electronic devices byproviding easier and more intuitive control of device applications andfunctionalities. This benefit is especially important when the userwishes to effectively and efficiently access a desired functionassociated with a particular hardware module.

The systems and methods discussed herein therefore address a challengethat is particular to electronic devices. In particular, the challengerelates to a rigidness in the ability for a user to initiate desiredapplications or functions of electronic devices. This is particularlyapparent when the user wishes to quickly access a certain application orfunction. Instead of requiring the user to make specific selections ofspecific built-in hardware or software components, as required byconventional electronic devices, the electronic devices of the presentembodiments incorporate hardware modules that a user may manuallyconnect to the electronic device, which causes the electronic device toautomatically initiate functions associated with the hardware modules.Accordingly, because the systems and methods employ hardware modulesconnecting to support housings and having specified functions, thesystems and methods are necessarily rooted in computer technology inorder to overcome the noted shortcomings that specifically arise in therealm of electronic devices.

FIG. 1 depicts an example electronic device 10 capable of supporting andfacilitating the features and functions as described herein. Theelectronic device 10 may be any type of portable electronic device, forexample, a notebook computer, a mobile phone, a Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), a smart phone, a tablet computer, a multimedia player,an MP3 or MP4 player, a digital or analog broadcast receiver, a remotecontroller, or any other electronic apparatus. The electronic device 10may include various electronic and mechanical features and componentscapable of supporting a variety of functionalities and applications,including phone and video calls, data communication, general computingand processing data, audio input and output, graphical display, sensingenvironmental conditions, sensing interactions with users, recordingdata, generating notifications, maintaining scheduling data, and/or thelike.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic device 10 may include a supporthousing 12 that may be configured to removably secure a set of modules14 thereto. In particular, a user may manually attach the set of modules14 to or remove the set of modules 14 from the support housing 12. Theset of modules 14 may be electrically and/or physically connected to thesupport housing 12 using any of a variety of connection components, suchas magnetic connectors (e.g., electro-permanent magnets (EPMs)),capacitive connectors, optical connectors, or other electricalconnections; physical male/female connectors or ports (e.g., ribs andrecesses); and/or other fastening or connecting components.

Some implementations enable the set of modules 14 to be locked in placeto the support housing 12 at a particular position within the supporthousing 12. For example, the set of modules 14 may be locked to thesupport housing 12 using a hardware locking mechanism such as a latch.According to embodiments, a power source (e.g., a battery) may beincluded in each of the set of modules 14 to power its own operation.The set of modules 14 may additionally or alternatively be powered by apower source provided in other modules 14 or located within theelectronic device 10.

The support housing 12 may include a set of ports, receptacles, or thelike (generally, a set of ports) spaced at various positions orlocations, where the set of ports may be physically separated by a setof ribs and/or a set of spines that may protrude from the supporthousing 12. The set of ports may be configured to receive and removablysecure the set of modules 14 via corresponding connector components. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 1, some of the set of modules 14 may beslid in or out of some ports of the support housing 12 as shown byarrows 16. The set of ports may be located at various positions of thesupport housing 12, and may be different sizes and/or include differenttypes and/or amounts of connector components. Similarly, the set ofmodules 14 may be of different sizes and shapes, and may include varioustypes and amounts of connector components.

Accordingly, various of the set of modules 14 may be compatible withsome of the ports and incompatible with others of the ports. Therefore,the user may interchange some of the modules 14 in variouscorrespondingly-sized ports of the support housing 12 if those modules14 are physically similar in dimensions and/or include the same typeand/or amount of connector components. The interchangeability of the setof modules 14 enables the electronic device 10 to achieve differentphysical layouts.

According to embodiments, each of the set of modules 14 may includeelectronic components that enable or are associated with one or morefunctions. Specifically, these one or more functions may contribute toor supplement operation of the electronic device 10 when thecorresponding module 14 is secured to the electronic device 10 via thesupport housing 12. In some implementations, some of the modules 14 mayinclude components that are used by various functions or applications ofthe electronic device 10. For example, the module 14 may include a lensand image sensor that is used by a camera application supported by theelectronic device 10; or a display screen module 18 may include adisplay screen that is used by a video playback application executableby the electronic device 10. In other implementations, some of themodules 14 may provide functionality that contributes to operation ofthe electronic device 10. For example, various of the modules 14 may addmemory to the total memory of the electronic device 10, processingcapability to the total processing capability of the electronic device10, or battery power to an overall power capability of the electronicdevice 10.

It should be appreciated that a variety of functions and applicationsassociated with the modules 14 are envisioned. In one implementation,the modules 14 may be associated with communication capabilities of theelectronic device 10. For example, one of the modules 14 may be asubscriber identity module (SIM) module that may include a socket (orother receptacle) to interface with a SIM card inserted in the socket,where the SIM card may store subscriber identity information for a phonecarrier or other service carrier. Accordingly, different SIM cards maybe inserted into or removed from the SIM module to enable differentsubscribers or accounts to use the electronic device 10, and/or toenable retrieval of stored personal data of a user, such as contactsand/or other data. The SIM module may also include a physical slider orswitch to enable a user to select different subscriber services that maybe linked to the SIM card. For example, different switch positions maycorrespond to different options to send/receive voice calls only (andnot data), send/receive data only (such as via a data plan), or disallowphone service if roaming charges on the device would be incurred.

In some implementations, multiple of the set of modules 14 may befastened or connected to each other via electrical and/or physicalconnectors. For example, magnetic connections or connectors may providean attractive force between or among modules 14 to attach them securelyto each other, but still enable a user to readily pull apart the modules14; or physical connectors may provide physical engagement between oramong some of the modules 14. Some implementations may enable wirelesscommunication (e.g., short-range communication such as RF signals)between the modules 14 and the support housing 12, or between themodules 14 themselves. Some of the modules 14 may also be positioned inthe ports of the support housing 12 so those modules 14 are adjacent toeach other.

In one example implementation, the modules 14 may be display modulesthat each includes a display screen on its surface that may supportgraphical display output. The display screen on each module may extendto one or more edges of the module, and the module may include aconnector to be linked directly to another module at a correspondingedge. Accordingly, each display module may be connected to anotherdisplay module at corresponding edges to cause the display screens to bepositioned adjacent to each other and to form a combined display screenhaving a larger area. A display controller of the electronic device 10may manage the content that is displayed on the adjacent display modulessuch that the combined display area of the adjacent display modules actsas a single large screen, or as multiple screens defined arbitrarilywithin the combined display area. Some implementations enable a displayscreen area to be extended in horizontal and/or vertical directions ofthe display modules.

According to embodiments, the electronic device 10 may be physicallyimplemented according to various configurations and may support multipleways for the modules 14 to connect to the support housing 12. Inparticular, the electronic device 10 may include one or more layers,where each layer may define a plane of the support housing 12 and thatmay removably secure multiple of the modules 14. In some implementationsin which the electronic device 10 includes multiple layers, each layermay be aligned parallel to the other layers.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the electronic device 10 described withrespect to FIG. 1. The electronic device 10 depicted in FIG. 2 includestwo layers: a rear layer 20 (which is shown facing up in FIG. 1) and afront layer 22 (which is shown facing down in FIG. 1). The rear layer 20may removably secure a first set of modules that may be arranged withina plane and the front layer 22 may removably secure a second set ofmodules that may be arranged within another plane, where the rear layer20 and the front layer 22 may be aligned parallel to each other. Thesupport housing 12 may accordingly include a first side associated withthe rear layer 20 and a second side associated with the front layer 22,where the first side and the second side may include ports having thesame or different amount, type, and size to respectively removablysecure the first set of modules and the second set of modules. Forexample, the front layer 22 may face the user during normal use of theelectronic device 10 and may accordingly include a larger port forsecuring the display screen module 18 that may be larger than othermodules.

FIG. 3 depicts another example implementation of an electronic devicehaving a single layer 24 of modules arranged within a plane andconnected to the electronic device via the support housing 12. It shouldbe appreciated that a single electronic device may also support morethan two layers, where the multiple layers may be aligned parallel witheach other and may be the same or different sizes. FIG. 4 depicts anexample implementation of an electronic device having three layers: afront layer 30, a middle layer 32, and a rear layer 34, where each layeris arranged within a plane and parallel to the other layers.

As shown in FIG. 4, the middle layer 32 is provided between the frontlayer 30 and the rear layer 34. It should be appreciated that themodules of the middle layer 32 may be accessed and/or removed in variousways. In some implementations, one or more layers themselves may beremovable or separable from the electronic device, where the electronicdevice may include multiple individual support housings. For example, alayer of modules may be connected to its own support housing, where thatsupport housing may be connected to the support housing(s) associatedwith the other layers.

FIG. 4 depicts a main support housing 12 that may support the frontlayer 30 and the middle layer 32, similar to the support housing 12depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The electronic device of FIG. 4 also includesan extension support housing 13 that may support the rear layer 34 towhich several modules 28 may be removably secured. The extension supporthousing 13 may be coupled to the main support housing 12 at an interface15 (e.g., a mechanical, magnetic, or electrical connection mechanism).The main support housing 12 and the extension support housing 13 may bedetached from each other to enable access to or removal of the modulesof the middle layer 32.

In additional implementations for supporting multiple layers, theelectronic device may include hinges or similar mechanisms to enable alayer of modules to pivot with respect to the other layer(s) of modules,thereby enabling a user to access an internal layer of modules and/orother areas of the electronic device. Other implementations may supportinternal layers of modules having edges that extend from or protrudepast edges of the modules of the surrounding layers, therefore enablingthe user to easily insert and remove the internal modules.

Some electronic devices may include a support housing configured toconnect to a support housing of another electronic device, therebyenabling the electronic devices to connect together. For example,instead of the layer 34 of FIG. 4 being an extension layer with anextension support housing 13 that is attached to the main supporthousing 12, the layer 34 may be a second, separate electronic devicethat can function independently of the first electronic device thatincludes the main support housing 12. Accordingly, the second electronicdevice may include its own support housing that may attach to thesupport housing 12 of the first electronic device. In thisimplementation, the extension support housing 13 may be a separatelinking structure (in some cases, without any modules attached) that mayattach between the first electronic device and the second electronicdevice to mechanically connect the two electronic devices together. Inother implementations, two electronic devices may be connected togetherat their edges (e.g., via a linking structure that may be positionedbetween the two electronic devices to mechanically connect them). Suchedge-connected devices may offer improved features, such as a largercombined display area that may incorporate display modules from bothelectronic devices.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the electronic device 10 depicting variousfeatures and components as well as a set of modules 30, 32, 34 thereof.The modules 30, 32 may include buttons 20, 22 respectively positionedthereon. Similarly, the modules 32, 34 may include slider switches 40,42 respectively positioned thereon. The buttons 20, 22 and the sliderswitches 40, 42 may be pressed, touched, switched, or otherwisephysically manipulated or actuated by a user. The buttons 20, 22 and theslider switches 40, 42 may be positioned on an outer surface of thecorresponding module 30, 32, 34 or otherwise on a surface that isaccessible to a user while the corresponding module 30, 32, 34 issecured to the support housing.

While FIG. 5 depicts the buttons 20, 22, and the slider switches 40, 42,it should be appreciated that other types of physical controls areenvisioned, including switches, knobs, directional pads, trackpads orother sensor pads, touchscreens, hinges, joysticks, optical sensors,capacitive sensors, and/or the like. Some types of physical controls maybe positioned or disposed at least partially within the correspondingmodule, such as a capacitive sensor capable of detecting touch input.Some physical controls may be configured to sense multiple simultaneoustouches or other manipulations, such as trackpads and touchscreens.

According to embodiments, the actuation of a physical control on amodule by a user may cause an activation of a function associated withthe module. For example, an input/output device incorporated in a modulemay be activated/enabled and deactivated/disabled by the actuation ormanipulation of a physical control. In some implementations, actuationof a physical control may activate or deactivate functions that areprovided by the module to the electronic device, such as processingcapability, memory expansion, battery power addition, sensingcapability, a function of the device operating system or runningenvironment, and/or the like. In other implementations, actuation of aphysical control may activate/deactivate and/or adjust certain settingsof the electronic device, such as scaling levels, parameters associatedwith module functions, and/or other device settings.

By having certain physical controls present on the modules themselves,the modules are more interchangeable. If a particular function for aspecific module is desired (or not desired), a user can add (or remove)the specific module to (or from) the support housing of the electronicdevice, and the physical controls for that function will be added (orremoved) as well. For example, if a user decides that a camera modulefor an electronic device is not wanted or needed, the user can removethe camera module and replace it with another module (e.g., a batterymodule that supplies additional power to the electronic device).

As discussed herein, numerous types of modules and functions thereof areenvisioned. For example, the module 30 of FIG. 5 may be a camera modulethat may include a lens 23, charge-coupled device (CCD), image sensor,circuitry, memory, and/or any other components that may be used tosupport image capture functionalities. In this example, the button 20 onthe surface of the camera module 30 may be used as a shutter control tocapture an image and start/stop recording a video. In someimplementations, the button 20 may be linked to other camera functionsthat may be indicated on a display screen located on the camera module30 or on another module, such as a display screen module.

For further example, the module 32 of FIG. 5 may be a speaker modulethat may include one or more speakers 33 capable of outputting audioaccording to applied electrical signals. The slider switch 40 on thespeaker module 32 may enable a user to adjust the volume of the audiothat is output from the speaker(s) 33. In some implementations, multiplespeaker modules of an electronic device may each include their ownindependent volume slider, or the user may designate one of the volumesliders as a master volume control that controls all the speakermodules. The button 22 on the speaker module 32 may, in some scenarios,enable/disable the audio output from the speaker(s) 33. Other physicalcontrols are envisioned for the speaker module 32, such as selectionsthat may adjust various settings of the audio output, such as tone,balance, equalization levels, fade, bass, treble, and/or the like.

It should be appreciated that other types of modules having physicalcontrols that may activate, deactivate, adjust, or otherwise control avariety of different functions are envisioned. For example, the modulesmay include an activity monitoring module having heartrate sensors,blood pressure sensors, oxygen level sensors, and/or the like, alocation module having a GPS sensor, and/or others. The physicalcontrols provided on the modules may also be used to control overalldevice functions or modes, and/or control functions of other modulessecured to the device. In one example, a module can include severalcontrols that may each be assigned to a different function of the devicewherein, in some cases, the module itself may not have any otherfunctions except to support the controls.

It should further be appreciated that the physical controls on themodules may control a variety of functions of the electronic device. Forexample, a particular control may activate an unlock feature for theelectronic device such that operating system is “unlocked” when thecontrol is actuated. Other controllable device functions may includepower on/off, selection of modes (sleep mode, low power mode, etc.),display screen activation, GPS sensor activation, launching ofparticular applications or other software on the electronic device,controlling of various settings and user preferences, enabling anddisabling notifications, and/or others.

As discussed herein, a user of the electronic device may move, rotate,relocate, or otherwise physically change the modules within a supporthousing and/or in relation to other modules secured to the supporthousing. According to embodiments, this movement or physical change maybe associated with certain functions that may be managed by theelectronic device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict examples of physical movements of a module 50, bya user, in association with a support housing 12. As depicted in FIG.6A, the user may move the module 50 to the left as indicated by arrow 52to remove the module 50 from the support housing 12. According to someembodiments, the module 50 may be “unlocked” prior to being removed viaa physical interaction or a software command. Similarly, as depicted inFIG. 6B, the user may move the module 50 to the right as indicated byarrow 54 to secure the module 50 to the support housing 12. In someimplementations, a group (e.g., a row or column) of adjacent modules maybe moved together in relation to the support housing 12. For example, ifa group of multiple modules are attached directly to each other withinadjacent ports of the support housing 12, then the user may remove theentire group of modules from the support housing 12.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict additional examples of physical movement ofmodules in relation to the support housing 12. As depicted in FIG. 7A, amodule 60 is positioned in the upper left corner of the support housing12 and a same- or similar-sized module 62 is positioned under the module60. In one implementation, the user may remove the modules 60, 62 bydetaching the modules 60, 62 from the support housing 12 and sliding themodules 60, 62 to the left, away from the support housing 12.

The user may then re-secure the modules 60, 62 to the support housing12, but with the modules 60, 62 switching positions as depicted in FIG.7B (i.e., the module 62 is now positioned in the upper left corner andthe module 60 is positioned under the module 62). A similar swapping ofmodules may be made between same- or similarly-sized modules 64 and 66,modules 70 and 72, and modules 80 and 82.

According to embodiments, a processor or controller of the electronicdevice may sense the movement of the modules (such as those describedwith respect to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B). In some implementations, theprocessor may detect change(s) in module connection(s) to the supporthousing 12, such as when a user moves a module to a different positionof the support housing 12. Generally, the processor may detect theoriginal positions of the modules according to their originalconnections to the support housing 12, and may detect new positions ofthe modules according to their new connections to the support housing12.

In some implementations, the support housing 12 may include sensors thatmay be configured to detect any motion of modules within the supporthousing 12. The sensors may be, for example, optical sensors, magneticsensors, and/or other types of sensors. The modules themselves may, insome cases, include motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes)that may be used as an alternative to or in combination with any sensorsof the support housing 12. The sensors may be configured to detect amovement direction associated with a module connecting to the supporthousing 12. For example, the module may connect to the support housing12 from the left, the right, the bottom, or the top.

According to embodiments, the processor may detect connections of themodules and may facilitate functions or applications associated with themodules and/or the device. In particular, the processor may detect aconnection of a module to the support housing 12, may identify afunction to activate, where the function may correspond to a function ofthe module itself or of the electronic device, and may activate thefunction. A function of the electronic device may constitute anapplication installed on the electronic device, where the applicationmay use the connected module, or may constitute a setting or modemodification or other similar function. In some implementations, theprocessor may determine the function based at least in part on amovement direction associated with the module connecting to the supporthousing 12.

For example, the processor may detect a module being removed from aparticular port of the support housing 12 and then replaced into thesame port of the support housing 12, as depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B,which the processor may determine corresponds to an unlocking of adevice operating system to enable the user to access functions of theelectronic device. For further example, the processor may detect twomodules switching port positions, as depicted in FIGS. 7A and 7B, whichthe processor may determine corresponds to a resetting of a deviceoperating system to a starting state. In determining or identifying thefunction, the processor may compare the detected movement of themodule(s) to a listing of the corresponding functions, such as via alookup table, list, or other data structure.

The movement and placement of certain modules by a user may also belinked to one or more functions of the moved modules themselves. Forexample, an input/output device incorporated into a module may beactivated/enabled or deactivated/disabled by the movement of that samemodule. Similarly, the movement of certain modules may be linked to oneor more functions that are provided by the modules to the electronicdevice. For example, movement of a certain module may cause activationor deactivation of processing capability, memory size, sensingcapability, or a function of the device operating system or runningenvironment. Additionally, certain settings, scaling levels, and otherparameters of certain module functions and/or device functions may beadjusted based on manipulation or movement of the modules by the user.

It should be appreciated that the processor may activate a variety ofother functions in response to detecting various movements,repositionings, and/or relocations of the modules into, out of, and/orwithin the support housing 12. Further, the movements, repositionings,and/or relocations may incorporate a single module or a combination ofmultiple modules. Some of these additional functions may include, butare not limited to, enabling and disabling a sleep mode; enabling anddisabling certain communication functions such as “airplane mode” or theability to initiate or receive telephone calls; enabling and disablingnotifications to be selectively displayed or output based on calendarevents, received communications, sensed environment conditions, or otherconditions; activating a particular application, enabling and disablingcertain communication settings (e.g., Bluetooth®, WLAN hotspot);enabling and disabling an input/output component of the device (e.g., aspeaker, alarm, siren, camera flash, vibration); and/or the like.

The support housing 12 may also be configured to enable a module to bepositioned in different orientations. In one implementation, the modulemay include multiple connectors or contacts in multiple location, suchas on opposing edges or sides of the module, so that the module may berotated (e.g., 180 degrees) and connected to the support housing 12 in adifferent orientation. In another implementation, a symmetrical module(e.g., a square or circular shaped module) may include a connector onmore than two edges or sides of the module, thereby enabling the moduleto have multiple connectable orientations.

The processor may detect or sense changes in orientation of the modulein various ways, such as based on the combination of connectors engagedon the support housing 12, based on an output of motion or positionsensors within the module or on the support housing, and/or based onother factors. The processor may also facilitate the activation ordeactivation of one or more functions of the electronic device and/or amodule itself in response to detecting a reorientation of the module.Each orientation of the module, or each change of the module from oneconnectable orientation to another connectable orientation, may beassociated with a different function or set of functions of theelectronic device and/or the module.

In some implementations, the processor may use data associated with themovement and/or orienting of modules as input to applications supportedby the electronic device, such as games, puzzles, or other applications.For example, the electronic device may store a predetermined sequence ofmodule movements, such that if the user moves/orients a set of modulesto match the predetermined sequence, a puzzle may be solved, a game goalmay be scored, and/or a function associated with the device and/or anapplication running on the device may be unlocked. For further example,the processor may cause “easter eggs” (e.g., a message, image, oranimation displayed on a display screen of the device), which may behidden by developers in the source code of applications, to be revealedin response to detecting the movement of particular module(s) in aparticular way and/or in a particular sequence, or to a particularposition(s) within the support housing 12.

The present embodiments further contemplate facilitating variousfunctionalities in response to the electronic device powering on,starting up, or otherwise activating. Electronic device startup mayoccur when the electronic device changes from a powered down, sleep, oridle state to a powered on, active, or awake state. Startup of theelectronic device may be activated in a variety of ways.

Generally, the electronic device may detect an activation of a devicecomponent, such as when a user activates a control on the electronicdevice (e.g., a power button), the electronic device starts up or ispowered on, a timer expires, a trigger event associated with thecomponent occurs, an event or condition occurs, and/or the like. Theelectronic device may identify or select particular functions (e.g.,particular application(s) or mode(s)) to be active upon startup.Therefore, a user may conveniently use or interface with the startupfunctions without having to first select a particular mode orapplication using the electronic device.

The functions that are initiated by the electronic device upon devicestartup may vary based on the physical arrangement of one or moremodules in the electronic device. In some implementations, the startupfunctions may be based on one or more particular modules located at orsecured to one or more predetermined controlling positions of thesupport housing, where a module at a controlling position may beassociated with a particular application, mode, or other function thatthe electronic device may initiate upon device startup. It should beappreciated that the controlling position(s) may be a defaultposition(s) or may be configurable by a user of the electronic device.

FIG. 8 depicts an example of a front side of an electronic device, whichincludes a display screen module 40 secured to a lower position of thesupport housing 12 and a camera module 42 secured to a differentposition of the support housing 12. In an implementation, the cameramodule 42 may include an image sensor as well as a microphone component.If the camera module 42 is secured to a controlling position of thesupport housing 12, then the electronic device may identify a functionassociated with the camera module 42 to initiate or activate upon devicestartup. The function activation by the electronic device may utilizeone or more additional modules. For example, as depicted in FIG. 8, theelectronic device may initiate a video call application as displayed onthe display screen module 40. The user may interface with the cameramodule 42 and/or the video call application to record and send imagedata associated with the user's face during the video call.

FIG. 9 depicts another example of the front side of the electronicdevice in which a speaker module 44 is secured to the position of thesupport housing 12 previously occupied by the camera module 42. Inresponse to detecting that the speaker module 44 is connected to thecontrolling position of the support housing 12 upon device startup, theelectronic device may identify and initiate a music playback applicationassociated with the speaker module 44, as displayed on the displayscreen module 40. The music playback application may cause a speaker ofthe speaker module 44 to output audio as controlled by the musicplayback application. In some implementations, the music playbackapplication may continue output of the song or track that was output theprevious time that the music playback application was active orinitiated. It should be appreciated that the speaker module 44 mayinclude additional components such as a headphone jack and/or others.

It should be appreciated that either or both of the front side and therear side of the electronic device may include one or more controllingpositions. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10, if a camera module 50 ispositioned at a controlling position designated as the top left cornerof the electronic device, then the electronic device may initiate in acamera mode (e.g., executing a camera application) in which a displayscreen of the device (e.g., the display module 40 of FIGS. 8 and 9) maydisplay a live preview of image data captured by the camera module 50.In some implementations, the display screen may display a list ofpreviously-captured images, and/or other content or informationassociated with an imaging or photos application.

The controlling position of the support housing 12 of the electronicdevice may vary. For example, as depicted in FIG. 10, if the controllingposition of the support housing 12 is where a speaker module 52 ispositioned, then the electronic device may initiate a music playbackapplication associated with the speaker module 52 upon device startup.In another example, if the controlling position of the support housing12 is where a SIM module 54 (or other type of module related to aparticular service carrier) is positioned, then the electronic devicemay initiate a communication application (e.g., a dialer) associatedwith the SIM module 54 upon device startup. For further example, if abase processor module is positioned at a controlling position (not shownin FIG. 10), the electronic device may initiate in a default mode inwhich no particular application is executing. The controlling positionmay also be associated with other positions or components of the supporthousing 12, such as a center position, a bezel, a particular small-sizedposition, or the like.

As discussed above, various electronic device implementations mayinclude different amounts of layers of the support housing 12 as well asvarious controlling positions. In some implementations, the front layerof modules of an electronic device, such as those facing the user innormal operation of the electronic device, may dictate the function(s)for the electronic device to initiate upon device startup. In otherimplementations, a non-front layer of the electronic device (e.g., arear layer) may dictate the startup functions, such as when any frontlayer modules are general usage modules and/or may not have anassociated application. It should be appreciated that other layers ofthe electronic device may dictate the startup functions in otherimplementations or under other conditions. In one embodiment, a user maydesignate which layer of the electronic device dictates a startupfunction(s) for each controlling position of the support housing 12.

In some implementations, the controlling position may result frommultiple modules or devices that may be connected together. For example,if two display screen modules (or electronic devices) are connectedtogether at their edges to form a combined larger display screen (orlarger electronic device), the electronic device may detect that suchdisplay screen modules (or electronic devices) are connected togetherand may initiate a display application upon device startup, such as avideo playback application or video conference application.

The electronic device may also support multiple controlling positions,where the electronic device may use certain criteria to resolveconflicts between which function or application is to be initiated iftwo or more modules are located in the controlling positions. Forexample, the electronic device may resolve a conflict based on modulesize, where a larger module would have priority over a smaller module.For further example, a module positioned closer to the top of theelectronic device may have priority over a module positioned fartherfrom the top. The electronic device may resolve conflicts using adefault set of rules which may be configurable by a user. In someimplementations, a user may specify a priority list of applications orfunctions, such that if there is a conflict between applications orfunctions associated with modules in the controlling positions, theelectronic device may initiate the application or function highest onthe priority list upon startup.

In some implementations at device startup, the electronic device mayinitiate an application related to a module located in a non-standard oratypical position of the support housing 12 for that particular module.For example, if a speaker module has a standard position on the rearlayer of the electronic device, but the speaker module is currentlypositioned on the front layer of the electronic device, then uponstartup the electronic device may initiate a music playback application.Similarly, if a camera module has a standard position on the rear layer(e.g., to enable a user to take pictures while viewing a display screenon the front side of the device), then the electronic device may startup in a normal camera mode if that camera module is in a controllingposition on the rear layer. However, if that same camera module is in anon-standard position such as a position on the front layer, then uponstartup the electronic device may initiate a communication applicationthat enables a video call using the camera module. The user of theelectronic device may configure or set the standard or non-standardcontrolling position(s) and the corresponding function(s) orapplication(s) that are initiated upon device startup.

In some implementations, the electronic device may account for thepositions of multiple modules to determine which functions orapplications are initiated upon startup of the device. For example, theelectronic device may determine a set of functions or applications thatcorresponds to a set of modules that forms a top edge of the electronicdevice, such that each of the set of functions or applications isinitiated upon device startup. The electronic device may thereforeconcurrently execute multiple applications or functions (i.e.,multitask), whereby the multiple applications or functions may share thedisplay screen, or whereby the electronic device may display one of theapplications in the foreground while executing the remainingapplications in the background. For example, the electronic device mayidentify the application to be displayed in the foreground ascorresponding to a module located in a controlling position within thetop edge area, having a particular size, or being associated with aparticular application, and may accordingly display the application inthe foreground.

The electronic device may also determine a startup application orfunction based on a combination of multiple modules in multiplecontrolling positions, whereby different combinations of modules may beassociated with particular applications or functions. For example, acombination of a camera module and a microphone module on the top edgeof an electronic device may correspond to the electronic deviceinitiating a video recording application upon startup. The electronicdevice may maintain a list, lookup table, or other data structure thatspecifies which combinations of modules correspond to which applicationsor functions, which may also be configurable by a user.

In some implementations, the electronic device may account for thespatial orientation of the electronic device at the time of devicestartup to determine which module dictates the startup application orfunction of the electronic device. The electronic device may determineits orientation using various methods, such as via sensor data frommotion and/or orientation sensors. In some implementations, in order fora module to dictate the startup application or function of theelectronic device, that module must be in a controlling position of thesupport housing 12 and also currently be in a controlling orientationbased on its orientation with respect to the rest of the modules of theelectronic device. In one example, the controlling orientation may bedefined as being at the highest elevation with respect to the groundcompared to the other modules of the electronic device, such as if theelectronic device is tilted.

FIG. 11 depicts an example electronic device having three modules on itsrear layer: a camera module 60 associated with a camera application in acontrolling position of the support housing 12 adjacent to a top side ofthe electronic device, a speaker module 62 associated with a musicplayback application in a controlling position of the support housing 12adjacent to a left side of the electronic device, and a SIM module 64associated with a communication application in a controlling position ofthe support housing 12 adjacent to a bottom side of the electronicdevice. It may be assumed that the modules of the rear layer (versus themodules of the front layer) have a controlling position, and that thecontrolling orientation may be defined as being at the highest elevationwith respect to the ground compared to the other modules of theelectronic device.

FIG. 12 depicts the electronic device having its top side lifted from asurface such that the top side of the electronic device is higher thanthe left and right sides (i.e., the electronic device is tilted suchthat the top side is highest in relation to the ground). In thisposition and orientation, the camera module 60 on the top side of therear layer is at the highest elevation relative to the other modules 62,64 and accordingly dictates the startup application, which is the cameraapplication. Therefore, the electronic device may initiate the cameraapplication upon device startup. Similarly, if the left side of theelectronic device was held highest at time of device startup, theelectronic device may initiate the music playback application associatedwith the speaker module 62. Likewise, if the bottom side of theelectronic device was held highest at the time of device startup, theelectronic device may initiate the communication application associatedwith SIM module 64. In some implementations, if a module is positionedin a controlling corner position of the support housing 12 and thecorner is the highest-positioned corner of the electronic device at thetime of startup, then the module positioned at the corner may dictatethe startup application or function.

The user of the electronic device may specify which sides or corners ofthe electronic device dictate the startup application or function ifthose sides/corners are oriented in the highest position at the time ofdevice startup. In some implementations, the electronic device maydetermine whether a particular side of the device was continuouslyoriented in the highest position, such as for a threshold amount of timebefore, during, and/or after startup, whereby if the threshold is notmet, the electronic device will not initiate the associated applicationor function. Additional or alternative controlling orientations may bedefined, such as a lowest elevation compared to the rest of the modules,an orientation based on magnetic poles, and/or others. In someimplementations, if the electronic device is held approximatelyhorizontally (e.g., parallel to the ground), then a module at adesignated controlling position may dictate the application or functionat device startup, such as a module at or near the center of theelectronic device.

In addition to the modules dictating applications or functions at thetime of device startup, the positions of the modules in the electronicdevice may dictate applications or functions during use of theelectronic device. In one example, if a user moves a module from anon-controlling position to a controlling position of the supporthousing 12 while the electronic device is active (i.e., neither off norin a sleep or idle state), then the electronic device may automaticallyinitiate an application or function that is associated with that module.

In some implementations, the physical orientation of the electronicdevice may also influence which application or function related to amodule in a controlling position is active and running on the electronicdevice. In particular, a module in a controlling position may dictatethe active application if the module is also in a controllingorientation (e.g., the module is at the highest elevation of all themodules), as similarly described above with respect to startupapplications or functions. It should be appreciated that variouscontrolling positions and controlling orientations may be predefined,such as by the user of the electronic device.

In one example, if the camera module 60 is adjacent to a top edge of theelectronic device and the speaker module 62 is adjacent to a left edgeof the device, such as depicted in FIG. 11, then the electronic devicemay activate a camera application if the electronic device detects thatits top edge is oriented “up” with respect to the ground. During deviceuse, if the electronic device detects that its left edge and accordinglythe speaker module 62 is oriented “up” (e.g., the user rotates thedevice ninety (90) degrees during use), then the electronic device mayautomatically activate or initiate a music playback applicationassociated with the speaker module 62 while closing or moving to thebackground the previously-active camera application. As a result, theuser may manually designate which application is active by positioningdesired modules at controlling positions (e.g., an edge position of thedevice), and orienting the electronic device in a controllingorientation (e.g., so that a particular desired edge is highest).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method 1300 for an electronic device (suchas the electronic device 10) to detect device activation and initiate afunction corresponding to a module in a controlling position of theelectronic device. The order of the steps of the depicted flowchart ofFIG. 13 may differ from the version shown, and certain steps may beeliminated, and/or certain other ones may be added, depending upon theimplementation.

The method 1300 begins with the electronic device monitoring (block1305) for a device component activation, or otherwise detecting that adevice component is activated. According to embodiments, the devicecomponent activation may occur when the electronic device starts up oris powered on, when a timer expires, when a trigger event associatedwith the component is detected, when a user activates, selects, oractuates the component, or in response to other triggers or events. Thedevice component may correspond to a hardware or software button of theelectronic device, and the component activation may be an interactionwith or selection of the hardware or software button.

If the electronic device does not detect a device component activation(“NO”), the electronic device may continue monitoring for theactivation. If the electronic device does detect a device componentactivation (“YES”), the electronic device may identify (block 1310) anyhardware module(s) connected to designated controlling position(s) of asupport housing of the electronic device. In embodiments, the designatedcontrolling position(s) may be default position(s) or configurable by auser of the electronic device. The electronic device may identify thehardware module(s) connected to the designated controlling position(s)via one or more of a variety of connectors.

After identifying the hardware module(s), the electronic device maydetermine (block 1315) whether there are multiple hardware modulesconnected to multiple controlling positions. If there are multiplehardware modules connected to multiple controlling positions (“YES”),the electronic device may determine (block 1320) which hardware modulehas priority. In particular, the electronic device may examine a list,lookup table, or other data structure that specifies criteria or rulesfor determining priority, where the priority may be based on a size ortype of the hardware module(s), a location of the controllingposition(s), a type of application or function associated with thehardware module(s), and/or other parameters. The electronic device mayalso determine whether the hardware module is a position that isatypical for that type of hardware module. If there are not multiplehardware modules connected to multiple controlling positions (“NO”),processing may proceed to block 1325.

In some optional implementations, the electronic device may determine(block 1325) its orientation. In embodiments, the electronic device maydetermine its orientation using sensor data gathered from one or morebuilt-in sensors, such as a vector sensor, gyroscope, and/or the like,or according to other techniques. The electronic device may alsooptionally determine (block 1330) whether the hardware module is in acontrolling orientation. For example, the controlling orientation may bespecified as the module in the “highest” position relative to ground. Itshould be appreciated that other controlling orientations areenvisioned.

If the hardware module is not in the controlling orientation (“NO”),then processing may end or proceed to other functionality. If thehardware module is in the controlling orientation (“YES”), then theelectronic device may identify (block 1335) a function associated withthe hardware module. As discussed herein, the function may be a built-infunction or use associated with a component of the hardware module, or abuilt-in function or application of the electronic device that uses orincorporates a component of the hardware module. After identifying thefunction, the electronic device may activate (block 1340) the function,such as by initiating the function or application associated with thehardware module itself or with the electronic device. Accordingly, theelectronic device may automatically facilitate various functions inresponse to detecting manual positioning of hardware modules by a userof the electronic device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method 1400 for an electronic device (suchas the electronic device 10) to detect a hardware module connectingthereto and initiate a function corresponding to the hardware module.The order of the steps of the depicted flowchart of FIG. 14 may differfrom the version shown, and certain steps may be eliminated, and/orcertain other ones may be added, depending upon the implementation.

The method 1400 begins with the electronic device monitoring (block1405) for a hardware module to connect to a support housing of theelectronic device, where the hardware module may connect to the supporthousing via a connector component. If the electronic device does notdetect a hardware module connection (“NO”), the electronic device maycontinue monitoring for the connection. If the electronic device doesdetect a hardware module connection (“YES”), the electronic device mayoptionally determine (block 1410) an orientation of the connectedhardware module. In particular, the hardware module may include multipleconnector components that enable the hardware module to connect to thesupport housing in multiple ways or orientations.

The electronic device may also identify (block 1415) a functionassociated with the hardware module connected to the support housing.The identification of the function may be based, at least in part, onthe orientation determined in block 1410. As discussed herein, thefunction may be a built-in function or use associated with a componentof the hardware module, or a built-in function or application of theelectronic device that uses or incorporates a component of the hardwaremodule. After identifying the function, the electronic device mayactivate (block 1420) the function, such as by initiating the functionor application associated with the hardware module itself or with theelectronic device.

The electronic device may also monitor (block 1425) for the hardwaremodule disconnecting from the support housing, such as if a usermanually removes the hardware module from the support housing. If theelectronic device does not detect the hardware module disconnecting fromthe support housing (“NO”), then processing may end, return to thestart, continue to monitor for the hardware module to disconnect, orproceed to other functionality. If the electronic device does detect thehardware module disconnecting from the support housing (“YES”), then theelectronic device may deactivate (block 1430) the function. Inembodiments, the electronic device may return to a previously-activatedapplication or function, enter an idle state, enter a default state, orproceed to other functionality.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example electronic device 1550 (such as theelectronic device 10 discussed with respect to FIG. 1, or other devices)in which the functionalities as discussed may be implemented. Theelectronic device 1550 may include a processor 1580 or other similartype of controller module or microcontroller, as well as a memory 1581.The processor 1580 may include a singular processor or may include morethan one separate processor such as: an application processor to managea set of applications 1587 and a user interface 1591 of the electronicdevice 1550, a sensor processor to manage sensor 1596 data, and an audioprocessor to process audio 1594 data.

The memory 1581 may store an operating system 1582 capable offacilitating the functionalities discussed. The processor 1580 mayinterface with the memory 1581 to execute the operating system 1582 andthe set of applications 1587. The set of applications 1587 (which thememory 1581 may also store) may include a communications application1588 configured to facilitate various communications, an imagingapplication 1589 configured to capture digital image and video data, andan audio application 1572 configured to manage audio playback. The setof applications 1587 may also include one or more other applications1573 such as, for example, music and entertainment applications, phoneapplications, messaging applications, calendar applications, socialnetworking applications, utilities, productivity applications, games,travel applications, communication application, shopping applications,finance applications, sports applications, photography applications,mapping applications, weather applications, applications for connectingto an online marketplace, and/or other applications.

The memory 1581 may further store module operating data 1583 thatindicates various information associated with modules andfunctions/applications corresponding thereto, including controllingposition data; pairings among modules, controlling positions,controlling orientations, and associated functions/applications;priority or conflict data; and/or the like. Generally, the memory 1581may include one or more forms of volatile and/or non-volatile, fixedand/or removable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), electronicprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), random access memory (RAM),erasable electronic programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and/or otherhard drives, flash memory, MicroSD cards, and others.

The electronic device 1550 may further include a communication module1595 configured to interface with one or more external ports 1590 tocommunicate data via one or more wired or wireless networks 1585. Forexample, the communication module 1595 may leverage the external ports1590 to establish a wide area network for connecting the electronicdevice 1550 to other components such as a remote data server. Accordingto some embodiments, the communication module 1595 may include one ormore transceivers functioning in accordance with IEEE standards, 3GPPstandards, or other standards, and configured to receive and transmitdata via the one or more external ports 1590. More particularly, thecommunication module 1595 may include one or more WWAN, WLAN, and/orWPAN transceivers configured to connect the electronic device 1550 towide area networks, local area networks, and/or personal area networks.

The electronic device 1550 may further include one or more sensors 1596such as one or more accelerometers 1574, gyroscopes 1576, imagingsensors 1575, proximity sensors 1577, and one or more location modules1578. The sensors 1596 may also include other types of sensors such aslight sensors, infrared sensors, touch sensors, NFC components, andother sensors. The electronic device 1550 may further include a userinterface 1591 configured to present information to the user and/orreceive inputs from the user. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the userinterface 1591 may include a display screen 1593 and I/O components 1592(e.g., capacitive or resistive touch sensitive input panels, keys,buttons, lights, LEDs, cursor control devices, haptic devices, andothers). In embodiments, the display screen 1593 is a touchscreendisplay using singular or combinations of display technologies and caninclude a thin, transparent touch sensor component superimposed upon adisplay section that is viewable by a user. For example, such displaysinclude capacitive displays, resistive displays, surface acoustic wave(SAW) displays, optical imaging displays, and the like. The userinterface 1591 may further include an audio module 1594 includinghardware components such as one or more speakers 1571 for outputtingaudio data and one or more microphones 1570 for detecting or receivingaudio.

According to embodiments, the components of the user interface 1591 maybe embodied in hardware modules that may connect to the electronicdevice 1550. For example, the display screen 1593 may be a part of adisplay screen module that connects to the electronic device 1550.Similarly, the hardware modules may include one or more of the set ofsensors 1596, as well as hardware that contributes to operation of theprocessor 1580, to capacity or operation of the memory 1581, or tofunctionality of the communication module 1595 and/or the external ports1590. The hardware modules may connect to the electronic device 1550 viaa set of connection components 1579 that may be part of a supporthousing of the electronic device 1550.

In general, a computer program product in accordance with an embodimentincludes a computer usable storage medium (e.g., standard random accessmemory (RAM), an optical disc, a universal serial bus (USB) drive, orthe like) having computer-readable program code embodied therein,wherein the computer-readable program code is adapted to be executed bythe processor 1580 (e.g., working in connection with the operatingsystem 1582) to facilitate the functions as described herein. In thisregard, the program code may be implemented in any desired language, andmay be implemented as machine code, assembly code, byte code,interpretable source code or the like (e.g., via C, C++, Java,Actionscript, Objective-C, Javascript, CSS, XML, and/or others).

Thus, it should be clear from the preceding disclosure that the systemsand methods offer improved electronic device operation. In particular,the embodiments enable users to effectively and efficiently controldevice operation through manual adjustment and manipulation of physicalhardware modules. Accordingly, the embodiments advantageously enableimproved device capabilities for users of the electronic devices.

This disclosure is intended to explain how to fashion and use variousembodiments in accordance with the technology rather than to limit thetrue, intended, and fair scope and spirit thereof. The foregoingdescription is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to theprecise forms disclosed. Modifications or variations are possible inlight of the above teachings. The embodiment(s) were chosen anddescribed to provide the best illustration of the principle of thedescribed technology and its practical application, and to enable one ofordinary skill in the art to utilize the technology in variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations arewithin the scope of the embodiments as determined by the appendedclaims, as may be amended during the pendency of this application forpatent, and all equivalents thereof, when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a supporthousing; a hardware module configured to connect to the support housingvia one or more of a set of connector components; a memory storing a setof applications and a set of computer-executable instructions; and aprocessor interfacing with the memory, and configured to execute the setof computer-executable instructions to cause the processor to: detectthe hardware module connect to the support housing via the one or moreconnector components of the set of connector components, and in responseto detecting the hardware module connect to the support housing:determine that the hardware module connecting to the support housing isassociated with an application input to an application of the set ofapplications, and initiate the application with the application inputincorporated therein.
 2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein toinitiate the application with the application input incorporatedtherein, the processor is configured to: initiate the application, andcause a function associated with the application to be unlocked.
 3. Theelectronic device of claim 1, wherein to initiate the application withthe application input incorporated therein, the processor is configuredto: initiate the application, and cause a function associated with theelectronic device to be unlocked.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the processor is configured to execute the set ofcomputer-executable instructions to further cause the processor to:detect an additional hardware module connect to the support housing. 5.The electronic device of claim 4, wherein to determine that the hardwaremodule connecting to the support housing is associated with theapplication input, the processor is configured to: determine that thehardware module connecting to the support housing in sequence with theadditional hardware module connecting to the support housing isassociated with the application input to the application.
 6. Theelectronic device of claim 5, wherein the memory further stores apredetermined sequence of module movements, and wherein to determinethat the hardware module connecting to the support housing in sequencewith the additional hardware module connecting to the support housing isassociated with the application input to the application, the processoris configured to: determine that the hardware module connecting to thesupport housing in sequence with the additional hardware moduleconnecting to the support housing matches the predetermined sequence ofmodule movements.
 7. The electronic device of claim 1, furthercomprising a user interface, and wherein to initiate the applicationwith the application input incorporated therein, the processor isconfigured to: initiate the application, and cause the user interface todisplay content associated with the application.
 8. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the application is a game, and wherein toinitiate the application with the application input incorporatedtherein, the processor is configured to: initiate the application inwhich a goal of the game is scored.
 9. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the hardware module further connects to the support housing froma movement direction.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9, wherein todetermine that the hardware module connecting to the support housing isassociated with the application input, the processor is configured to:determine that the hardware module connecting to the support housingfrom the movement direction is associated with the application input tothe application.
 11. A computer-implemented method of managing operationof an electronic device comprising a support housing and a hardwaremodule configured to connect to the support housing via one or more of aset of connector components, and a processor configured to execute a setof applications, the method comprising: detecting, by the processor, thehardware module connect to the support housing via the one or moreconnector components of the set of connector components; and in responseto detecting the hardware module connect to the support housing:determining that the hardware module connecting to the support housingis associated with an application input to an application of the set ofapplications, and initiating the application with the application inputincorporated therein.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11,wherein initiating the application with the application inputincorporated therein comprises: initiating the application, and causinga function associated with the application to be unlocked.
 13. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein initiating theapplication with the application input incorporated therein comprises:initiating the application, and causing a function associated with theelectronic device to be unlocked.
 14. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 11, further comprising: detecting an additional hardware moduleconnect to the support housing.
 15. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 14, wherein determining that the hardware module connecting to thesupport housing is associated with the application input comprises:determining that the hardware module connecting to the support housingin sequence with the additional hardware module connecting to thesupport housing is associated with the application input to theapplication.
 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 15, whereindetermining that the hardware module connecting to the support housingin sequence with the additional hardware module connecting to thesupport housing is associated with the application input to theapplication comprises: determining that the hardware module connectingto the support housing in sequence with the additional hardware moduleconnecting to the support housing matches a stored predeterminedsequence of module movements.
 17. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 11, wherein initiating the application with the application inputincorporated therein comprises: initiating the application, anddisplaying, in a user interface, content associated with theapplication.
 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, whereinthe application is a game, and wherein initiating the application withthe application input incorporated therein comprises: initiating theapplication in which a goal of the game is scored.
 19. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein detecting the hardwaremodule connect to the support housing comprises: detecting the hardwaremodule connect to the support housing from a movement direction.
 20. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 19, wherein determining that thehardware module connecting to the support housing is associated with theapplication input comprises: determining that the hardware moduleconnecting to the support housing from the movement direction isassociated with the application input to the application.